During this three-year project, south dakota state university (SDSU) extension will work with partner organizations in rural communities to explore a structured community training model and…

Grant Award Summary

South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension received a $349,492 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture under the Rural Health and Safety Education (RHSE) Competitive Grants Program (CFDA 10.516), awarded September 30, 2025, with a three-year performance period extending through September 29, 2028. The project delivers evidence-based health promotion programming to rural South Dakota communities through a structured community training model. Primary deliverables include Chronic Disease Self-Management Education (CDSME) workshops and physical activity programs facilitated by Community Health Ambassadors (CHAs) trained and supported by SDSU Extension. SDSU Extension leverages its statewide licensing for CDSME and physical activity programming to provide expertise in volunteer management, community engagement, planning, and capacity-building.

The project has two core objectives: (1) expand the number of community members and volunteers trained in evidence-based health promotion programs and increase workshop availability in identified rural communities to improve health outcomes, and (2) develop and document a best practice model for health promotion programming in rural communities led by CHAs that can be sustained and replicated across South Dakota. By focusing on community-led implementation and long-term sustainability infrastructure, the award directly aligns with the RHSE program's mandate to empower rural residents through research-based educational delivery via Cooperative Extension.

During this three-year project, south dakota state university (SDSU) extension will work with partner organizations in rural communities to explore a structured community training model and implement evidence-based program (EBP) offerings including chronic disease self-management education (CDSME) workshops and physical activity programs. Community health ambassadors (CHA) will facilitate program implementation efforts and will receive training and support from SDSU extension. SDSU extension holds the license to offer CDSME and physical activity programming across south dakota and will provide expertise in training and volunteer management, community engagement, planning, and capacity-building for long-term sustainability. The objectives of this project: 1) expand the number of community members and volunteers trained in evidenced-based health promotion programs and provide a greater number of workshops for individuals living in identified rural communities that impact and improve health outcomes, and 2) produce a best practice model for health promotion programming and delivery in rural communities, led by community health ambassadors that can be sustained and replicated in other rural communities in SD.